GAME REPORT

UMMC Sail Past Gyor In Emotional Match

Reigning champions UMMC Ekaterinburg had little trouble in getting off to a winning start as they powered to a 101-43 success on an emotional evening at Uni Gyor.

The hosts were playing their first EuroLeague Women game since the road accident at the end of the summer which resulted in head coach Akos Fuzy and General Manager Peter Tapodi both losing their lives.

There were plenty of tears in the house at tip-off as a poignant new chapter opened for the Hungarian side.

But, they could barely have asked for a more difficult group or opponent as UMMC showed why they are favourites to retain their title.

The visiting heavyweights raced into a huge lead and never looked back, as a three-pointer by Russian national team forward Anna Petrakova made it 21-2.

To their credit, Gyor showed some real fight as they outscored UMMC 14-4 either side of the first and second quarter break, led by Courtney Vandersloot who eventually finished with a team-high 13 points.

However normal service was resumed and UMMC showed their superior class and rotation for the remainder of the game as they strolled to the win.

There were some excellent numbers from playmaker Sue Bird who had 13 points and eight assists, but it was Sandrine Gruda and Candace Parker who shone most brightly.

The duo shared 32 points from a wonderful 14 of 18 floor shooting, as UMMC proved unstoppable in the paint en-route to their first success of the new EuroLeague Women season.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Uni Györ vs. UMMC Ekaterinburg

Györ head coach Áron Szentendrei"We were very nervous at the start. We wanted to show that we are here again. We played impatient. In defence we could not handle the stars neither individually nor as a team. Only three players of us have experience in EuroLeague."

UMMC head coach Olaf Lange"As a titleholder the start in a new international season is always important. We played well, but we know that our opponent is after a big tragedy. We wish them nothing but the best for the future."

Györ player Anna Laklóth"It was big honour to play againts such a great team, we can learn a lot from them. I hope that we can later surprise our fans with some wins in the EuroLeague and the Hungarian championship."

UMMC guard Anete Jekabsone"I am proud of the team, we played very well, we scored many points. We will trying to do the best in every game in the future."